Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association 2013 Guidebook

GHTA Wasaga Beach Club Maps 25, 26, 27 & 28

Check the GHTA website ‘Trail Changes’ link for the latest revisions

to these 2013 vintage maps.

WASAGA BEACH SECTION Maps 25, 26, 27, 28

Gently undulating terrain; some poison ivy. Suitable for beginners. Direction: East to West; distance: 48.6 km.

The Wasaga Section starts at Tiny Beaches Rd./Archer Rd. A small area for parking may be used, free of charge, between September and May but, at any other time, parking is permitted only on some off-beach roads; observe restrictions. Km 0.0 Wasaga Town limit; a plaque dedicated to the founder of this section has been placed

here. 0.7 Eastdale Dr. Turn west and enter Allenwood Beach, part of the longest freshwater beach

in the world and a popular place for sunbathers, wind-surfers and swimmers. Follow the sandy beach road running parallel to the beach up to where it merges with River Rd. East. Turn right, then walk for a short stretch.

3.0 Turn right onto Mary St. which becomes Coastline Dr. The latter ends at River Rd. East. Turn right and follow through to Zoo Park Rd., then turn left. Continue going south, cross River Rd. West at the traffic light and walk as far as Golf Course Rd. Turn right and find the trail continuation at 358 Golf Course Rd.

6.5 This steep private driveway is one of several access points to Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, 500 hectare of fragile ancient beach ridges which are home to a variety of plants and animals, some of which are native only to this area and are on the list of endangered species. Two interpretive signs will be found in this location. In spring, you can spot some pink or golden Ladyslipper orchids and a multitude of showy Trilliums; the Pine and Oak forest tracts are home to the white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, snowshoe hares, porcupines and the threatened but harmless Eastern Hognose snake; there are no poisonous snakes within this park. The Ganaraska Hiking Trail runs for 17 kms thru this unique dune system. As you walk in either direction along this section, you will notice two side trails, each marked by blue blazes; at these points, a 1-1.5 kilometres long walk leads to the Nordic Ski Centre where ample parking and two outdoor toilets are available. For those who wish to start hiking from this location, easy access is provided. (Interpretive sign found here.)

Note, however, that hiking is not permitted during the winter season when a 30-kilometre trail system is groomed for X-country skiing.

14.8 Powerline Rd. Interpretive sign is found near entrance on eastside of Powerline Rd. Parking is available near the trail crossing. You are now entering the western portion of the park which is used by snowmobilers during winter. Winter hikers are cautioned to be prepared to yield right-of-way for the next 200 metres. The trail swings to the left and ascends over several dunes to reach the Nottawasaga River Ridge.

19.3 A picturesque picnic area allowing a good view of the Nottawasaga River below, also a river access point for fishermen.

20.3 Lookout point with interpretive sign; fragile sand bluffs high above the river's oxbow. 22.3 Exiting the western section of the park and crossing Oxbow Park Dr. you will see

Schoonertown Parkette. A historic site dating back to War of 1812, it had been transformed into a conveniently located picnic area with tables, benches and a small parking lot. From here turn left across bridge; go along town streets.

24.3 Sunnidale Rd. Turn south and follow the blazes to just below the water tower which is one of the largest in North America. A short side trail ends up at a lookout whereas the main trail, leading downward, merges with Wasaga Sands Dr. Keep right and find trail access between houses. For a short distance the Ganaraska Trail coincides with a local trail named McIntyre Creek Trail. Along its route, look out for giant ferns and jack-in the-pulpit.

26. Wasaga Sands Golf Course. Stay on designated hiking trail; golfers and golf balls have the right-of-way. Follow the creek valley until reaching a sharp bend to the right. A short ascend ends up in a residential street (Blake Court) merging with Wedgewood Dr.

28.5 A left turn followed by a short walk leads to Sunnidale Conc. 12. Turn right and walk to

Simcoe Rd. 7; make a left and continue south. On this road vehiclular traffic is heavy at times and care should be taken, especially when crossing at the intersection of Hwy. 26 and Simcoe Rd. 7. Crossing over Hwy. 26 and continuing south the road changes to Centre Line Road a few metres to the east.

33.5 Centre Line Road. Continue walking south; cross over the abandoned rail line at Warrington Rd.; pass under the high tension power lines and look for a hedge row between farmer’s fields on the right.

Note: Hikers beware: deer hunting is allowed on the farmer’s land during the first 2 weeks of November and December. Be safe and do not hike here during these weeks. 38.1 Nottawasaga 18/19 Sideroad (unopened, unmarked). Blazes on the utility poles will help

indicate turn into the trail. Walk on the south side of the hedge row following the farmer’s access road. Starting at the forest, this next section of access road is clay and rutted for approx. 1km. After heavy rain the trail becomes slippery and can be difficult to walk on. Crossing Airport Rd., this route is on farmer’s dirt road and has little vehicular traffic.

41.1 Airport Rd. (Simcoe County Rd. 42). Continue walking west, turn south onto Fairgrounds Rd., then turn west on Nottawasaga 15/16 Sideroad. Great views, especially from the top of the hill, over Nottawasaga Bay and surrounding countryside. Beyond the crest of the hill, the scenery changes to views overlooking the Village of Glen Huron and Devil's Glen on the escarpment.

48.1 Smithdale. Turn south at the bottom of the hill onto 6th Line. 48.6 Stile. This marks the end of the Wasaga Beach Section and the junction with the Mad

River Section. It is suggested that, when hiking the western end of the Wasaga Beach Section, you hike from west to east, not only to fully enjoy the scenery but also because you are walking downhill after the first 1.5 kilometres.